Acura's entry-level car is well equipped with premium features such as a push-button starter, heated leather seats, a rear-view camera and HID headlights. But there's only so much Acura can do to mask the car's humble roots.
Handling is responsive, but vague steering feedback robs the car of being sporty to drive. The most popular powertrain, an adequate 150-hp four-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic, works unobtrusively and averaged a very good 28 mpg. The driving position and rear seat are spacious -- given the modest exterior dimensions -- but the ride is choppy and pronounced road noise reveals the ILX's modest origins.
Only those who really want the ILX's compact dimensions will find it a good value.